[California]. [Water]

[Manuscript Letter Written by Charles Cornforth, Describing Extensive Flooding in the State]

Eureka City: January 14, 1862. [2]pp. on a folded sheet. Old folds, minor wear. Very good. Item #4920

Manuscript letter to folks back home describing heavy rain and flooding around Eureka City. The author writes: "We have had two or three feet of snow at three different times this fall and winter, and each time the snow was carried off by a verry heavy rain which made three several freshets two of which the water was higher than it was ever known to be before by white men." He goes on to discuss the difficulties caused by the flooding: "The high water done a great deal of damage throughout California by carrying off bridges, houses, lumber, fire-wood, &c. There is but verry few bridges left in the state as far as we have heard here. Marysville and Sacramento have been half under water and the flood has washed away many wooden buildings an[d] some brick stores. A large portion of the farmers in the Sacramento Valley and also many other places were damaged considerable by having their land overflowed, some crops washed off, &c. The roads are almost impassable here, we have had but three mails in as many weeks when we usually get one each day."

Price: $750.00